Luke 7:2 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:2 mean?

Luke 7:2 describes a Roman centurion whose servant, someone he cared about deeply, was gravely ill and close to death. The verse sets the stage for the story by showing the centurion’s concern for his servant’s well-being.

In this scene, Luke, the author, introduces a Gentile military officer living in Capernaum. The centurion is not speaking yet; instead, the verse gives background information about his household. The detail that the servant was "dear unto him" highlights the unusual compassion the centurion felt for someone of lower social status, which is important for understanding the significance of what follows.

The Greek behind Luke 7:2

• The word translated "servant" is δοῦλος (doulos), which means slave or bondservant. This emphasizes that the person was not just an employee but someone with little social standing or rights.
• The phrase "dear unto him" comes from the Greek word ἔντιμος (entimos), meaning highly valued or precious. This shows the servant was not just useful to the centurion, but genuinely important to him.
• The word for "sick" is κακῶς (kakōs), which often means seriously ill or in a bad condition, underlining the severity of the servant’s situation.
• The phrase "ready to die" uses the Greek word μέλλω (mellō), which carries the sense of being about to do something—in this case, the servant was on the verge of dying, not just ill.

Why Luke 7:2 matters

• Luke 7:2 makes it clear that the centurion’s concern was not for a family member or equal, but for a servant, which would have been unusual in that culture and sets up the story’s theme of compassion across social boundaries.
• This verse prepares the reader for the centurion’s later actions, showing that his request for help is motivated by genuine care, not just duty or self-interest.
• By highlighting the servant’s dire condition, Luke emphasizes the urgency and seriousness of the situation, which helps explain why the centurion seeks out Jesus and why the miracle, when it comes, is so significant.